May 21, 2019 (LBO) - The number of unemployed persons is estimated as 389,406 during the fourth quarter 2018 or 4.6 percent, up from 4.0 percent a year ago, data from the Department of Census and Statistics (DCS) shows.
During fourth quarter of 2018, the total number of employed persons in Sri Lanka is estimated as about 8.1 million. Of which, about 46.7 percent engaged in Service sector, 27.
7 percent in Industries sector and 25.6 percent in Agriculture sector.
Compared to 4th quarter 2017 in 4th quarter 2018 a decline in employment numbers can be observed in Agriculture and Industry sectors while the Service sector employment shows an inverse.
Highest employment share is in service sector and this is true for both male and female, while the lowest shares are for agriculture sector.
Among employed females 29.1 percent is in agriculture sector while this share is 23.
8 percent for males
Overall unemployment rate reported for female is 7.1 percent and it is 3.2 percent for male.
Youth unemployment rate (age 15 – 24 years) corresponding to the fourth quarter 2018 is 21.
9 percent and that is the highest reported unemployment rate among all age groups.
Further the unemployment rates for males and females are 18.
1 and 28.7 percent respectively for age group 15—24.